VEGETATION OF TROPICAL WESTERN AFRICA. 28 
in ascending these untrodden alpine forests and the bare regions 
beyond, where the monotonous vegetation of the hot plains of the 
interior must give way, to be replaced by those forms only found 
at elevations, and an African mountain botany which cannot fail 
to yield much that is new to Botanical Science. 
We reached the Bonny this evening (4th) and lie at anchor 
inside the bar. This river has a much better mouth than the others, 
and is safer; but some wrecks are visible from where we lie. We 
shall ascend by the Brass river on the 8th, under much better 
auspices than formerly. Some difficulty is apprehended through 
the shallow water; for I think the Niger has never been entered 
before at this season. If we get aground in the delta, it may bea 
temptation to the natives; but as long as we can keep a healthy . 
crew, we have not much to fear from the people. 
Writing is difficult at sea in so small a ship, but off the bars of 
these rivers impossible. I hope to date my next, in one month, 
from Rabba. 
I remain, Sir, your obedient Servant, 
CHARLES BARTER. 
P.S.—Consul Hutchinson and Lady arrived safely at Fernando 
Po; some roses which they received at Kew, I found alive, have 
had them planted, and all are growing. 
| Dr. Baikie, myself, and every European on board аге in excellent 
ealth. 
Second Letter from Мв. CHARLES BARTER to Sır W. J. HOOKER, 
F.R.S., F.L.S., &c., communicated by him. 
[Read June 2nd, 1859.] 
Steamer Rainbow, 
Lagos, March 7th, 1859. 
‚ Srg, — By this mail I forward a bundle of dried plants, containing 
about 110 species, some specimens of woods*, the fruiting panicle 
of a Calamus, fruits preserved moist, and a few seeds. Some of the 
dried plants were collected on Lagos Island, but the greater part 
at * Eppah f," a town on the Crado Lake, about thirty miles east 
of Lagos. 
We have spent more time here than could have been wished, 
* The collections arrived safely, April 1859. Though a comparatively small 
collection, they are extremely interesting.—W. J. H. 
t Dr. Beikie says, this should be spelt “ Ekpe." 
